Brisbane is a lively, vibrant and youthful city. It has a great food scene, excellent art galleries and museums, a rich history and a fun nightlife.
But, Brisbane is a large city and not all of its neighbourhoods will appeal to visitors. Which is exactly why we put together this list of the best areas to stay in Brisbane.
This guide was written by travellers for travellers. It breaks down the best places in Brisbane to stay into easy to read categories so you can quickly find the neighbourhood that’s right for you. So whether you’re looking to delve deep into history, explore the arts scene, or party from dusk until dawn, this guide will give you all the information you need so you can book your accommodation with confidence and ease.
Let’s get right to it. Here are our top picks for where to stay in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Where to Stay in Brisbane
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Brisbane.
If you’re a budget-conscious traveller and you want to keep a bit of money in your bank account, we’d recommend staying at one of Brisbane’s epic hostels. Each of them offers a comfy bed, a safe place to rest your head and the chance to meet like-minded travellers.
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Best Hotel in Brisbane: Sage Hotel James Street
This hotel is ideally located in Fortitude Valley, the best neighbourhood in Brisbane to stay in for nightlife and partying. This boutique hotel is within walking distance to the best bars and clubs in Brisbane as well as shops and restaurants. Rooms at this hotel in Brisbane are modern, luxurious and well-equipped with a variety of great amenities.
Best Airbnb in Brisbane: CBD Apartment overlooking the river
The Alderley Studio is one of the nicest you could have – it’s more than just a private room. There’s a private decking overlooking the garden, your very own bathroom, and a queen bed.
There are many great places in Brisbane, but this is definitely one of the best Airbnbs in Brisbane. If you want to make your trip extra special, this should be your go-to!
CBD Apartment overlooking the river is one of our favourites in Brisbane but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel in Brisbane: Nomads Brisbane
With a rooftop terrace complete with dozens of comfy sunloungers, Summer House is one of the coolest hostels in Brisbane. Summer House is a haven for backpackers travelling the land down under offering free, super-fast and totally unlimited WiFi access. Their sunny rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to relax before joining the Summer House crew for their evening activities; everything from movie nights to free Italian dinners
Nomads Brisbane is one of our favourites in Brisbane but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Brisbane Neighbourhood Guide – Places to Stay in Brisbane
FIRST TIME IN BRISBANE
The CBD
The CBD is the best neighbourhood in Brisbane to stay in for first-time visitors and travellers keen on sightseeing. Referred to by locals as The City, Brisbane’s CBD is a lively and vibrant district set at the heart of the city.
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ON A BUDGET
Petrie Terrace
Located just east of the city centre, Petrie Terrace is a compact neighbourhood that packs a big punch. One of the oldest party and entertainment districts in the city, Petrie Terrace is home to great bars, lively clubs and delicious restaurants as well as the Suncorp Stadium, which hosts incredible live music, sporting and entertainment events.
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Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley is a vivacious and boisterous neighbourhood. It is located northeast of the city centre and is famous for its combination of eclectic bars with alternative shopping.
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COOLEST PLACE TO STAY
New Farm
Nestled next to Fortitude Valley is the New Farm neighbourhood. This central district is one of Brisbane’s best neighbourhoods thanks to its upmarket shopping, hip dining and trendy bars.
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FOR FAMILIES
South Bank
South Bank is a vivid and vivacious neighbourhood located south of Brisbane’s CBD. It is a district characterized by its lengthy riverside boardwalk, waterside cafes and its inner city beach.
Brisbane is a large city located on the eastern coast of Australia. It is known for its positive attitude and creativity as well as its excellent culinary, arts and nightlife scenes.
One of the oldest cities in Australia, Brisbane boasts a rich and varied history and is home to a great selection of tourist attractions and historical landmarks.
The city covers 15,842 square kilometres and is home to a number of neighbourhoods, each offering something unique to travellers. In this Brisbane neighbourhood guide, we’ll look at the best things to see, do and eat in the five best areas.
Starting with the city centre. Brisbane’s Central Business District (CBD) is a big and buzzing neighbourhood at the heart of the city. It is the best neighbourhood in Brisbane to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time or are keen on sightseeing because it has so many excellent landmarks and attractions like the Queen Street Mall, City Botanic Gardens and Story Bridge, it’s also just a stone’s throw to Central Station too.
Travel northwest to Petrie Terrace. This small neighbourhood packs a big punch. Here you’ll find great bars, restaurants and shops and it is our best recommendation for where to stay in Brisbane on a budget.
Head east from here to Fortitude Valley. A bustling and buzzing area, Fortitude Valley is our pick for where to stay in Brisbane for nightlife thanks to its many bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants.
New Farm is one of the coolest places to stay in Brisbane. It is a trendy and hip district set east of Fortitude Valley and is packed with great shops, eateries, cafes and bars.
Finally, South Bank is situated south of the city centre. It wins our vote for where to stay in Brisbane with kids because it has a central location and is home to amazing museums, galleries and attractions.
Brisbane’s 5 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
Still not sure which is the best neighbourhood to stay in Brisbane based on your needs? Well, don’t worry! In this next section, we’ll breakdown Brisbane’s best neighbourhoods in detail.
#1 The CBD – Where to Stay in Brisbane for Your First Time
The CBD is the best neighbourhood in Brisbane to stay in for first-time visitors and travellers keen on sightseeing.
Referred to by locals as The City, Brisbane’s CBD is a lively and vibrant district set at the heart of the city. It’s where you’ll find Brisbane’s major businesses as well as a great selection of shops, malls, cinemas, museums, restaurants and galleries.
Brisbane Central Business District is also home to many of Brisbane city’s most famous tourist attractions and landmarks. From the iconic City Hall and the Museum of Brisbane to the Roma Street Parkland and the beautiful City Botanic Gardens, there’s plenty to see, do and experience in this central neighbourhood.
Things to See and Do in The Central Business District
- Climb to the top of the Brisbane City Hall clock tower and enjoy the view.
- Delve deep into the history of the city at the Museum of Brisbane.
- Eat fresh and delicious fare at the Brisbane Riverbar & Kitchen.
- Enjoy delicious cocktails at Super Whatnot.
- Feast on incredible Australian fare at Urbane.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy a peaceful afternoon in Roma Street Parkland.
- Shop until you drop on Edward Street and Queen Street Mall.
- Sip high tea at the Shingle Inn.
- Stop and smell the roses at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
- Support up-and-coming local designers by browsing the BrisStyle Indie Markets.
#2 Petrie Terrace – Where to Stay in Brisbane on a Budget
Located just east of the city centre, Petrie Terrace is a compact neighbourhood that packs a big punch. One of the oldest party and entertainment districts in the city, Petrie Terrace is home to great bars, lively clubs and delicious restaurants as well as the Suncorp Stadium, which hosts incredible live music, sporting and entertainment events.
Petrie Terrace is also where you’ll find a high concentration of good value accommodation options, which is why it’s our pick for the best are in Brisbane to stay in if you’re ballin’ on a budget. All throughout the neighbourhood, there are comfortable, spacious and secure options, all at an excellent price!
Things to See and Do in Petrie Terrace
- Catch a flick at the Palace Barracks Cinemas.
- Enjoy wholesome and hearty homemade snacks from Pamela’s Pantry.
- Feast on amazing dishes and delicacies at The Caxton Hotel.
- Grab a quick and tasty snack at Fritzenberger.
- Indulge in great burgers, fries and American fare at Fat Belly Jacks.
- Listen to great live music at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall.
- Root for the home team at Suncorp Stadium.
- Satisfy your appetite at delicious Brewski.
- Sip wine and cocktails at the StreetSide Bar.
- Start your day with an amazing break from the Scout Café.
#3 Fortitude Valley – Where to Stay in Brisbane for Nightlife
Fortitude Valley is a vivacious and boisterous neighbourhood. It is located northeast of the city centre and is famous for its combination of eclectic bars with alternative shopping.
This neighbourhood is the best area in Brisbane to stay in for nightlife because it offers such a great mix of places to go and fun things to do. It is home to everything from dive bars and cosy pubs to innovative DJs and world-class super clubs. You can usually find something going on here 7 nights a week but it gets especially lively if you are visiting Brisbane on the weekend.
So, no matter your taste, style, budget or age, Fortitude Valley is a neighbourhood that will have you feeling like there’s not enough to time see and experience it all!
Photo: JAM Project (Flickr)
Things to See and Do in Fortitude Valley
- Dance the night away at The Beat Megaclub.
- Don’t miss the chance to spend a night at raucous Cloudland.
- Drink bespoke cocktails at Laruche.
- Eat innovative and exciting food at Harvey’s Bar & Bistro.
- Enjoy tasty dishes and refreshing beers at Alfred & Constance.
- Feast on flavourful Italian dishes at Bucci.
- Grab drinks at the quirky and cool Bloodhound Corner Bar and Kitchen.
- Party late into the night at The Met, an insane club with five thriving dance floors.
- See incredible works of modern art at the Jan Murphy Gallery.
- Sip sophisticated wines at the CRU Bar & Cellar.
#4 New Farm – Coolest Place to Stay in Brisbane
Nestled next to Fortitude Valley is the New Farm neighbourhood. This central district is one of Brisbane’s best neighbourhoods thanks to its upmarket shopping, hip dining and trendy bars. It is the place to see and be seen in, which is why New Farm is our top pick for the coolest neighbourhood in Brisbane.
Delicious restaurants, cosy cafes, sweet bakeries, eclectic event spaces, kicking coffee, and interesting independent boutiques are just a few of the amazing things that New Farm offers to its visitors.
Things to See and Do in New Farm
- Eat fresh and delicious dishes at Botanica Real food.
- Excite your sense with delicious food at Pablo.
- Go for a stroll through New Farm Park.
- Grab pints at Newstead Brewing Co.
- Kickstart your day with an incredible breakfast from Double Shot Espresso.
- Pop into the lively Bitter Suite for a tasty and refreshing beer.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Nodo.
- Shop and eat your way along vibrant James Street.
- Sip coffees and enjoy a great breakfast at The Primal Pantry.
- Visit the Brisbane Powerhouse for excellent events and one-of-a-kind gatherings.
#5 South Bank – Where to Stay in Brisbane for Families
South Bank is a vivid and vivacious neighbourhood located south of Brisbane’s CBD. It is a district characterised by its lengthy riverside boardwalk, waterside cafes and its inner-city beach. The South Bank Parklands are an excellent place to while away an afternoon, which is why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Brisbane for families.
In addition to its relaxing atmosphere, South Bank is also home to a vast array of family-friendly activities. Here you’ll find world-class modern art museums and incredible art galleries as well as unique attractions, colourful markets and delicious restaurants. Check out the Queensland Performing Arts Centre once you’ve dragged yourself out of that incredible free outdoor swimming pool!
South Bank is, without a doubt, a feast for the eyes, ears, stomach and soul.
Things to See and Do in South Bank
- Browse a brilliant collection of works of art at the Queensland Art Gallery.
- Delve deep into natural, cultural and scientific history at the Queensland Museum.
- Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the South Bank Parklands.
- Excite your taste buds at the Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar.
- Explore the incredible Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
- Ride the Wheel of Brisbane and enjoy amazing views.
- See a great collection of relics and artefacts at the State Library of Queensland.
- Shop and snack your way through the Collective Markets.
- Visit the spectacular Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).
- Cool off in the amazing outdoor swimming pool.
